Friday, March 23, 2012

NGAYONG araw, Marso 23, isandaan at
labing-isang taon na ang nakakaraan ay bumagsak sa mga kamay ng
imperyalistang Estados Unidos si Hen. Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy, Pangulo ng
tumatakbong (First officially recognized) Republika ng Pilipinas noong
kasagsagan ng Digmaang Pilipino-Amerikano (1899-1914). The Fil-Am War
development showed the immorality and utter lack of honor of the Bald
Eagle nation in its war conduct. As well, it revealed the lack of
principle and patriotic resolve of the very de facto leader of our
country when he rather readily swore allegiance to the enemy flag
following his capture.

Aguinaldo was captured by imperialist
American soldiers through a vile scheme involving trickery and the use
of traitorous local mercenaries and two Philippine Republic army
officers turned turncoats. Frederick Funston led the Bald Eagles who
posed as prisoners of local Macabebe scouts who, in turn, pretended to
form the reinforcements sent by Gen. Baldomero Aguinaldo and Gen. Urbano
Lacuna in Palanan, Isabela. This method used by the U.S. military would
be condemned by the Anti-Imperialist Americans, notably novelist Mark
Twain who referred to Funston as having employed means "which would
disgrace the lowest blatherskite that is doing time in any
penitentiary."

Then again, his
capture and swift swearing of fealty to the enemy only revealed Aguinaldo's
true colors. A power-grabbing "leader" driven more by personal ambition
and who coveted, and tried to maintain his hold on, the presidency by
hook or by assassinating crook. By the way, Aguinaldo's full
capitulation to the imperialist Americans got him handsomely paid--at
least 300 hectares of choice friar lands that adjoin his Imus, Cavite
hometown.